Are you in need of some great art? Or, do you have art that doesn’t fit your decor any more? CARTM is here for you!

Instead of soliciting new artworks made from repurposed materials for our Trash Art Show, this year we are finding new homes for quality already-made-art. Sales of donated art support our recycling and reuse programs.

There are three ways you can support CARTM and this event:

1. Donate your ‘pre-owned’ framed, ready to hang original paintings and collage, signed artist prints, ceramics and sculpture. No photographs, please! Volunteers will be on hand at CARTM on May 6 and 13 from 10 to 4, and at the Pine Grove Community House on May 17 from 2 to 5 to accept your donations. Commissions will be considered for high-value pieces.

2. Buy a ticket to the Opening Party on May 18 from 5 to 8 pm, at the Pine Grove. In addition to delicious bites from Julie Barker at Buttercup, wine, beer and other beverages, you have first ‘dibs’ on the artwork! Tickets are $30, available now at the CARTM cashier and from your friendly CARTM board members.

3. Come to the show Saturday, May 19 from 10 to 5, orSunday, May 20 from 10 to 3, and choose from a wide variety of artworks in all price ranges. Proceeds from art sales will be shared with the Pine Grove Community House in support of its community-oriented mission!

Many thanks to Starfish Vacation Rentals and Dave Leach & Hans Tonjes, brokers at Living Room Realty, without whose support we could not produce this event.

Remember four years ago when the Chinese “Green Fence” was put up? It was a virtual wall constructed to prevent mixed and contaminated recyclable materials from entering China. For many years, China has been the world’s biggest buyer of recyclable materials – no other country comes close. This “fence” radically changed what we were able to recycle in our community. Without a place to send mixed ‘rigid’ #6 and #7 plastic for recycling, CARTM had to stop collecting it.

Fast forward to February 2017, when China announced “The National Sword.” The government no longer wants to import used packaging. Although CARTM customers rigorously sort their recycling to prevent contamination, we are affected again. After October 1, CARTM can no longer accept the following packaging: #1 clamshells, #4 and #5 plastic, and plastic caps and lids.Other materials may be affected in the future.

Traditionally conscious consumers have trained themselves to look for containers with the #4 or #5 labels on packaging of yogurt, sour cream, crumbled cheeses, salsas and prepackaged grab and go food items in. These buying decisions were often made knowing that the packaging could be recycled. Not anymore. Until a new market opens – and we are searching for one – these items must be landfilled.

Tillamook County’s mobile recycling trailer, which travels around the county collecting recycling, will also stop accepting these items.

“Because we can’t guarantee that these materials have a way to be recycled, we can’t in good conscience continue to collect them,” said CARTM’s executive director Karen Reddick-Yurka. “We will stockpile the clamshells, #4s, #5s and caps we that come in September, hoping for another market to open up. Unfortunately, after October 1 they will have go to the landfill and that is the opposite of our mission. It breaks my heart.”

This latest blow to the recycling world means that consumers have an opportunity to make their voices heard by contacting the companies whose products they enjoy and regularly purchase.

“It is time to put pressure on the manufacturers to take responsibility for the packaging they create,” said Karen. “If we don’t, they will continue to use materials that are not recyclable. Government has a role to play in product stewardship as well. This could be a moment in time where we could affect change in a big way.”

“In addition, consumers can go back to buying whole produce rather than bagged or packaged produce to minimize waste. Of course we regret the inconvenience this may cause to CARTM users, and we look forward to the discussions the “National Sword” will stimulate.”

CARTM will continue to accept plastics that do have a recyclable value. Those are: #2 frosty milk jugs, #1 bottles, #2 colored bottles and 10¢ deposit soda and water bottles.

Carl and Deb Vandervoort hand over the keys to their Volvo which they are donating to CARTM’s car donation program. Executive Director Karen Reddick-Yurka couldn’t be happier.

It was a big day for CARTM when Deb and Carl Vandervoort, signed over the title and handed the keys to their beloved Volvo station wagon to Executive Director Karen Reddick-Yurka. “We loved this vehicle for a very long time and it has been a big part of our lives,” said Deb Vandervoort, “but we just couldn’t keep up with the repairs so we decided it was time to donate it to CARTM. It was so easy!”

Karen says “donate your car to CARTM. It’s reuse in action!”

When Deb and Carl made the decision to donate their car, they simply called The Center for Car Donations who took care of all the logistics. They sent a tow truck to Scovell’s parking lot, loaded the car, Deb & Carl signed the title over to CARM and handed over the keys. The Vandervoorts get a tax write-off and CARTM gets cash for the car when it sells. For more information about how to donate your car or truck, running or not, visit: Center for Car Donations

You can also donate your motorcycle, boat, jetski or RV, but they must be in running condition.

The show that started a local movement 16 years ago returns to CARTM and we want you and your art in this show! This will be a magical year for our own local brand of art-proving that ideas are constantly shifting. The 2014 Trash Art Show will be held in the Trash Art Gallery in our own Refindery. Hmmmmm….you’re saying to yourself, how will they fit all that art into that tiny space? Click here for details…

The lights dimmed, the curtains rose, the L.O.V.E. lights shown and 22 models walked the runway displaying their wearable creations all made with materials destined for the landfill.

CARTM’s second annual Trashion Show/Upcycle Party was the place to be on October 12, 2013 at NCRD is Nehalem. The capacity crowd was treated to great music, fantastic creativity, humor and talent on the runway.

These links will take you to photos of the pre-show dressing rooms, the Trashion runway show and the Upcycle after party.

And, oh yes, the raffle winners! Two locals were the big winners: Barbara Rippey won the Staycation and Jane Wannell won the VINO Private Party for 8. Congratulations to all and thanks to everyone who took a chance to win.

When CARTM wins, we all win! Thanks for doing your part to help lead our community to Zero Waste.

Bring inspiring materials to work with and Kathleen will have some on hand, along with sewing machine, sewing know-how and great ideas to help create the trashion outfit of your dreams.

Can’t make it Saturday? Two more dates are scheduled to get some help, ideas and finish your creation….

Doris Bash of Creative Fabrics and Trashionista Extraordinaire, will have her backroom open on two dates, September 28 and October 5, for those needing sewing machines, problem solving and inspiration.

Mary is looking for a few more models this year for the show on October 12, 2013. And remember! this is an equal opportunity show…come on Men! Strut your stuff!

We can’t wait to see what our effervescent narrator Aina Tonjes will be wearing this year!

Save The Date!

2nd Annual Trashion Show/Upcycle Party

October 12, 2013

NCRD Auditorium/Gymnasium

36155 9th Street in Nehalem

7:00 – 10:00 pm

Tickets On Sale NOW! At the Following Locations:

CARTM Refindery Cashier

T-Spot in Manzanita

Wisteria Chic in Manzanita

Manzanita News — guess where? — in Manzanita

The Beehive in Nehalem

Creative Fabrics in Wheeler

Only 180 tickets will be sold!!

Those trashionistas are getting out their sewing machines and making amazing new creations for this year’s beloved Trashion Show/Upcycle Party. Come and see the live runway show. Every seat in the auditorium is a good one, but plan to come early as seats are first come, first served. These one-of-a-kind outfits may just inspire you to be in the show in 2014!

After the Trashion Show head upstairs to the Upcycle Party. DJ Jeff James will be spinning a great dance mix and there will be plenty of yummies and drinkies to enjoy!

Winners of this year’s Re-think Raffle will be drawn at this event—always an exciting moment!

Ticket price includes admission to the Trashion Show and the Upcycle Party.

First prize and second prize just isn’t the right way to describe this year’s top two prizes for CARTM’s annual Re-think Raffle as they both hold top billing appeal. Tickets are on sale now at CARTM for this year’s effort to support north county’s award-winning recycling facility. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20 and offer the opportunity to win one of three prizes.

Holder of the first ticket drawn will have their choice of the top two prizes: a Manzanita staycation ($600 value) or a private party for eight at VINO/Manzanita ($500 value). The staycation offers two nights at the pet friendly Studio/Lighthouse on the oceanfront in Manzanita. Along with two nights of lodging, the Staycation includes dinners for two at Terra Cotta and the Big Wave, breakfast or lunch at Bread and Ocean and a massage at Longevity. The private party for eight at VINO is offered during the month of January 2014 and includes dinner, wine, live music, gratuity and the private ambiance of this local wine bar for the eight lucky winners.

The third prize, valued at $250 is a “Recycling PhD.” This unique prize includes an in-home consultation by CARTM staff to design a recycling set-up to fit the space and lifestyle of the winner. New recycling bins, a home composter and a $50 gift certificate to The Refindery round out the prize.

The winning tickets will be drawn at this year’s 2nd annual CARTM Trashion Show/Upcycle Party on Saturday, October 12 at NCRD. To purchase raffle tickets visit CARTM during open hours: Thursday – Monday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., 34995 Necarney City Road in Manzanita. Or for more information call 503-368-7764 or www.cartm.org.

CARTM is seeking a passionate, energetic, person with a positive attitude to join our team! Must have good organizational and communication skills and be prepared to work hard and get dirty. If this describes you, and you are ready to roll up your sleeves and get the job done, pick up an application at the cash register at CARTM. Download the detailed job description here. For more information contact Jan at 368-7764 or email jkh@cartm.org

Skills: Good communication skills; excellence in customer service and good organizational skills required. Maintenance related skills a real plus. (May consider a “maintenance only” part time job for the right person)

Abilities: Must be able to lift 40lbs.; willing and able to learn and be certified to operate forklift; able to operate hand tools (shovels, rakes, etc.); have good command of English language; be willing and able to learn to operate baling machine and backhoe; willing and able to learn to operate cash register and perform basic accounting tasks; able to stay on task through distractions.

Experience: Prefer direct customer service experience in any service related industry. Familiarity with re-use/ resale (including household goods, hardware, appliances, electronics, power tools, small engines and construction materials) is a real plus.

Other: Prefer enthusiastic, high-energy person who is passionate about recycling. CARTM will happily train an inexperienced but passionate person with right “can do” attitude (including operation of large machinery, etc.). Safety consciousness is a must. Spanish language is a plus.

The 8th Biennial Nehalem Estuary Clean-up is Saturday March 2nd. Get outside and volunteer to help keep the estuary beautiful, clean and healthy. This family-friendly event takes place rain or shine and attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear waterproof boots and work gloves. Gather for orientation at 7:30 a.m. upstairs in Tsunami Grill. Bring drinking water and a sack lunch and get ready to enjoy comraderie, getting the know the estuary from an “on-the-ground” perspective and meet new friends. The day ends with the famous chili feed for all participants at 6:00 p.m. Along with the chili feed, Estuary Clean-Up volunteers receive a t-shirt—choose the 2013 design or select from collectible vintage t-shirts of past clean-ups. For more information call 503-368-3203 or lnct@nehalemtrust.org.

This just in from Mary Moran:

Hello Trashionistas,

Mark October 12th (yes, 2013) on your calendar as the date for our next Trashion Show and Upcycle Party . . . affectionately coming to be known as the TSUP event! You know how much fun it was last time!

Once again we’ll be looking for models, designers and people who like to sew, staple, glue and fold. And we’ll need writers, speakers, builders and all sorts of volunteers. We’ll also have some opportunities to create costumes/outfits at the Hoffman Center in September and once again Kathleen Ryan will be there for support and great ideas. And Doris Bash (of zipper dress fame) has offered her back room at Creative Fabrics in Wheeler for creating and sewing in September as well. We want to get as organized as possible before summer and then in September, shift into high gear, hence the very early announcement and recruitment for this event.

We hope you will all once again consider being part of this fundraising event for CARTM and fun-raising event for our community.

So, please let me know as soon as you can, if you are planning to be part of the lineup, thanks!

On November 27, 2012, over 40 of CARTM’s one hundred-plus 2012 volunteers, attended the complimentary screening of “Waste Land“—the award-winning film and fascinating story of recycling workers in Rio de Janeiro who intersect with artist Vik Muniz who travels from his home base of Brooklyn to his native Brazil and the world’s largest garbage dump to make art.

The CARTM Board of Directors hosted and chose the film to underscore the potential of recycling and the spirit of human beings everywhere to re-use, re-purpose and create from what was considered discards.

Our hats off to our volunteers who helped in operations, three new events and special projects for CARTM in 2012.

Carol Newman of Brownsmead (also KMUN on-air personality) was the winner of the CARTM eco-cart. Carol who was unable to attend the Upcycle Party for the drawing was contacted by phone and was heard screaming with delight! Don’t be surprised when you visit the Brownsmead Corn Feed in September and see Carol arriving in the CARTM Cart.

Tom Mock won the full-share Re-evolution garden CSA. Tom and his wife Betty are avid community gardeners but will be able to relax a bit this year and enjoy the bounty of locally grown produce by Ginger Salkowski and her crew.

The CARTM logo home composter was won by Ray Hucke. Ray was delighted and couldn’t wait to get the composter installed and working.

CARTM Executive Director Jan Hamilton and Trashion Show model Julie "Fig" Yanko pulled the winner raffle tickets at the Upcycle Party at the NCRD Gymnasium on Saturday, October 13. Photo by Lorraine Ortiz

Trashionistas were in fine form at the first Trash Show/Upcycle Party on October 13, 2012 at the NCRD Auditorium and Gymnasium in Nehalem. The two-part event featured the much-anticipated stand-alone Trashion Show in the auditorium complete with catwalk, soundtrack, stage lighting and local fashionista, Aina Tonjes, as guest commentator.

The 26 trashion models put on the show of the year with their creations to the delight of the 180+ in attendance. A standing ovation was the perfect segue to the Upcycle Party awaiting attendees and models upstairs in the gym.

Transformed into an eclectic mix of tropical, cityscape, trashion museum draped by multiple parachutes, the gym was the location for the first ever Upcycle Party—a celebratory event to be remembered. D.J. Loud Glass (aka Jonathan Feder) spun tunes to get everyone dancing while the fashion photo booth, personed by Gene Dieken rivaled anything Hollywood could offer. Past trashion outfits were displayed on mannequins for close-up viewings. The lucky winners of CARTM’s Re-think Raffle were selected at the event.

Most often heard comment at the event, “We can’t wait until next year’s Trashion Show & Upcycle Party!”

CARTM’s beloved Trash Art Show lives on with new life in a new space. CARTM joined forces with Hoffman Center and held the show at their Manzanita venue over the 2012 4th of July weekend.

47 artists produced new, lively, work for the show which showcases art made with recycled materials. Featured artist was Jeff Wallen showing his “Bots.” Wallen creates kinetic creatures, or “bots” from used photocopier parts. His installation of multiple kinetic bots was in a black lit room to show off the unique painting of his super sci-fi bots.

Locating the show in downtown Manzanita attracted holiday visitors to the three-day event—many of whom were new to CARTM and its zero waste mission. One such person was 9-year-old Mary who attended the show with her father. Mary, a resident of the Tacoma, Washington area told her father that she had “found her tribe and must be part of CARTM’s Trashion in October.

CARTM’s partnership with Hoffman Center proved to be a winning combination of two local non-profits sharing the work and the success of the Trash Art Show.

Carol Newman of Brownsmead models Patty Thurlby’s “Reigning Queen of Green” trash art piece. The crown is made from recycled window screen, old jewelry, moss and very old silk flowers. Hundreds of locals and 4th of July vacationers attended the 14th Annual Trash Art Show, held at the Hoffman Center in Manzanita. Photo by Lorraine Ortiz.

The 2012 CARTM Trashion Show is on for October 13!

The 2012 CARTM Trashion Show will be staged as a runway fashion show in the NCRD Auditorium with a great party following in the gym upstairs. This will be your opportunity to put your design talents to work and to produce the most creative trash fashions ever seen in our community!

As a fundraiser for CARTM, the show will be a stand-alone event and a bit longer than in past years. In addition to our many well known models, we are encouraging people, who perhaps have thought about it but have not been involved in the past, to do so this year. It’ll be great fun for all!

Even if you are not interested in being a model, we are looking for people who might want to help someone else create an outfit – designing, sewing etc. Also, we will need a few volunteers to help during the show and party afterwards. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are interested.

NEW THIS YEAR! We would like to display past Trashion Show outfits upstairs in the gym for the after-show party. Many people have asked to see the outfits up close; this will be their opportunity and your chance to show off your past creations. So, dig through your closets for outfits from years past. And yes, we will have mannequins to display each creation.

NOTE: This is a new direction for CARTM. Since the Trashion Show will be more adult-oriented than in the past, it will not be an appropriate occasion for younger children. Perhaps in the future there may be a more child friendly event.

So reserve your spot now to be part of the show! Please contact Mary Moran at moranmem@gmail.com to schedule your spot on the catwalk, to display an outfit from the past or to volunteer your time and experience.

Zero Heroes pride themselves on the tiny amount of trash they generate.

Manzanita—Many in the Nehalem Bay Community pride themselves on the tiny amount of household trash they generate each week—and most have been recycling for 25 years or more.

These people are called “Zero Heroes” by the staff at CARTM because they practice principles that help further their mission of leading the community to zero waste.

“Our Zero Heroes arrive at CARTM with tiny bags of trash,” said CARTM’s director Jan Hamilton. “We love knowing those households are generating less and less trash. We even created a special measuring device just for them that would assess trash fees down to twenty-five cents.”

CARTM’s effort has been to reward people for doing the right thing—that is by making recycling free and charging for trash. CARTM relies on revenue from trash to help offset the costs associated with recycling. This model is literally putting CARTM out of business. By encouraging the community to do the right thing for the environment, people are bringing in less and less trash and more and more recycling resulting in overhead and expenses remaining steady to keep the service alive, as the income continues to decrease.

Historically, CARTM has prided itself on operating without imposing a minimum fee for trash, (the other two transfer stations in Tillamook County charge a $17 minimum) but driven by the steep downward trend in trash revenues, beginning June 1, CARTM instituted the first ever $3 minimum fee for dumping trash.

“We are so proud of our zero heros, and their tiny bags of trash,” said Hamilton. “It is the norm for transfer stations to charge a minimum but the idea of a minimum at CARTM is taking some getting used to by our community,” said Hamilton.

Sharon Daye of Nehalem has been recycling for over 25 years and at age 76 appreciated being able to bring her small amounts of trash to CARTM each week, both for the economy and so she wouldn’t have to lift heavy loads.

“I recycle everything I possibly can,” said Daye. “I’ve been coming to CARTM for 11 years and have seen it improve 100% over the years. I’ve just returned from a trip back east and they have nothing like CARTM—we are way ahead of them.”

Daye says that even with the new minimum, she has no intention of going to curbside garbage because of the high monthly charge.

“I’m going to have to change the way I do things. I’ll probably get a garbage can to put my smaller bags in to take to CARTM. $3 per bag isn’t that much to pay.”

Other Zero Heroes, like Jim and Bonnie Johnson and Steve and Sherri Davis of Nehalem, also recycle or compost everything they can and also take small amounts of trash to CARTM.

The Davis’s, who relocated from Battleground, Washington, said that they have never found another organization to compare to CARTM’s services or having the convenience of the resale store so close by to purchase household items and fittings for projects.

The Johnsons said that although they would typically bring in twenty-five cent bags of trash they would always donate more than that on their periodic trips to CARTM and underscored that CARTM “is a great service.”

Other, more shy Zero Heroes who did not want their names used in the press, said that the $3 minimum is making them up the ante on their already strong recycling habits.

CARTM is offering a free biodegradable bag in exchange for one that when filled is worth $3 of trash. These bags, unlike regular plastic bags that take hundreds or up to a 1000 years to decompose, will decompose in a landfill in 12 -24 months. The bags are a trial study to see if they are sturdy enough to not rip or tear in transport.

CARTM’s staff is reporting that some people are already changing their habits and many are using the new $3 bags.

“We trust our community to come up with innovative household systems and strategies in response to recycling technology and industry changes,” said Hamilton. “We’re watching for innovative systems people have created, and passing along that information to our other customers. We are always looking to our community to help us learn, grow and change for the better.”

Larry Kizer of Neahkahnie doesn’t like to see a minimum as he feels it detracts from CARTM’s zero waste mission, but he understands the reason for it and the need for it.

“I like the idea of the $3 bag of trash—it’s a great idea,” said Kizer. “I am a CARTM regular and recycle at least three times a month.”

Other shy Zero Heroes talked about the problem of having food waste attracting pests in residential areas and hope that CARTM begins a composting program to deal with this issue.

“CARTM is continuing to listen to our customers and to work with these issues,” said Hamilton. “Having to create a $3 minimum was in direct response to our community being such great recyclers. It seems counter intuitive to institute a minimum—but the fact is trash is one of our revenue streams and in order for CARTM to continue to grow and thrive as the great service our community counts on we have to watch that bottom line.”

CARTM shipped 290.3 tons of solid waste to the landfill in 2011—3% less than in 2010. North County citizens and visitors diverted 809.6 tons of material from the landfill in 2011 for recycling at CARTM—a 15% increase over 2010 (excluding wood and construction debris which CARTM subcontracted in 2010). Download the 2011 Annual Report for a complete breakdown of what we took in and what we spent last year.

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